But since about 7,000 greys were removed by the Menter Mon environmental group, the number of red squirrels has risen to nearly 200.

The group began culling greys in 1998 and reintroduced the red in 2004.

"It is a very popular animal," said Hugh Knott, environment project manager. "They are attractive -- very striking, very red. They are beautiful animals."

They now flourish in two areas of woodland on the island.

"There are more reds than greys now," Knott told Reuters.

It is a dramatic turnaround from the general UK trend where the native red squirrel has become in danger of extinction after the introduction of its grey cousin from the US in the late 19th century.

Anglesey has benefitted from being an island, and Menter Mon is now looking at how to stop the grey squirrel making its way back over the two bridges that link it with the mainland.

"You have to remain vigilant," Knott said.

He warned prospects for the red on the mainland remain grim where the estimated 140,000 squirrels are vastly outnumbered by the 2.5 million greys.

Red squirrels confine themselves mainly to conifer forests, while the grey can find more varied food and shelter elsewhere.

The red has also come under attack from the lethal squirrelpox, which is spread by the grey squirrel -- which is itself immune from the virus.

There are only small pockets where the red still flourishes, including Scotland, the Isle of Wight and Brownsea island in Poole Harbour.

(Editing by Steve Addison)